“Hockey talent will not be in short supply,” said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly after naming players like the Jets’ Patrick Laine and the Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau.

Tickets will go on sale on Ticketmaster April 25, with prices determined by the NHL.

According to REAL CEO Tim Reid, accessibility is a priority.

“We’re working really hard with local partners to make sure there’s an affordability aspect and so that everybody can participate,” said Reid.

In terms of proximity, Winnipeg is the closest NHL market to Regina. The Saskatchewan capital is located a little less than halfway between Winnipeg and Calgary, allowing the teams to converge smack-dab in the middle of the Canadian prairies.

Although Regina has hosted multiple NHL pre-season games over the years, it will be the first time a regular-season contest has been played in the city. It’s expected to leave the biggest NHL imprint since the St. Louis Blues held training camp in Regina from 1981 to 1983.

The bid to host a regular season NHL game at Mosaic Stadium was mostly regarded as a no-brainer by council members, who saw the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial $100,000 cash contribution and donation of city services services valued at up to $50,000.

“We’ll get, on one level alone, $400,000 back by ticket sales,” said Mayor Fougere shortly after the motion passed. “I think the value of what we get in return far outweighs the investment.”

On Friday, Fougere said Regina is a hockey city in a hockey province.

For residents not interested in the game itself, Reid said the festival will offer plenty of activities before, after and possibly even during the game.

The province has committed $500,000 and the Regina Hotel Association has committed $150,000 to support the bid.

Edmonton Oilers and the Winnipeg Jets play the NHL Heritage Classic at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg on Sunday, October 23, 2016.John Woods /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

However, both contests were moved indoors due to poor ticket sales and concerns over the weather.

According to a team source, the Pats are interested in playing host to a WHL game as part of this event. It would be similar to the 2011 Heritage Classic in Calgary when the Flames faced the Montreal Canadiens, followed the next day by a WHL game featuring the Pats and Calgary Hitmen.

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